topamax and memory loss a problem

[matd22]

Does any one taking topamax for migraines have the problem of memory loss? Especially word loss when speaking or writing? I know this drug is nicknamed stupamax for a reason. It sure helps to know when you are not alone and others have the same side effects. Topamax helps my migraines and the weight loss is a plus too but the memory is suffering when it comes to writing and speech...like spelling...sometimes I know the word to use but  can not even think of the letters to look it up so I end up using a different word in it's place...very frustrating. Speaking is another story. Sometimes it just isn't worth it to talk at all.
Can any one relate to these symptoms? or shall I see my neurologist??

[mathgeek_17]

Definitely understand where everybody is coming from.  I have been getting really bad migraines for months and went to see a neurologist who prescribed me Topamax because he concluded that the side effects were less than what my daily headaches were.  Its been at least 3-4 months since I started taking the medication and in the last 2-3 weeks I have been getting this really bad brain fog/ temporary short term and long term memory loss.  You all say you have problems with saying words or writing words, I just find that if I do not have a written record of everything I need to do or do it as soon as someone says to, I immediately forget.  And somehow that isn't it, I am a 16 year old so my doctor didn't think the memory stuff would be an issue in regards to the medication.  Along with the short term brain issues, I find that information I am trying to remember from a few months ago that I am reviewing and looking at now, I absolutely cannot remember at all anymore.  It is as if I have to re-teach myself whole entire topics worth of material because my brains short term and long term memory are not functioning properly.  I had an appointment with my neurologist yesterday and explained all my issues, so we are decreasing my Topamax so instead of taking 100mg a day, by next week I will be taking 50mg.  And hopefully in the next couple of weeks I will see a change (a better change in brain function).  If not, maybe its something else, or ultimately it could just be due to the change of environment from total isolation to back to school full time.  I am not sure.  This is our first step.  

[PdpCoop]

Has anyone heard that this memory problem is permanent?  I have been told by a fellow migraine suffer that they were told this memory loss is a permanent thing and we won't get these brain cells back..?? I have been on this for 2 years now and am really having trouble with my memory. I will try the L-yrosine with some Magnesium for sure but have made an appointment to go back to the doc.  I have suffered from migraines since the age of 2 and this med does seem to work well but you just have to wonder when the med is worse than the pain.  Thanks for posting your information and pray they find a cure!  

[matd22]

After a month or so on L-yrosine, I am very happy to say that I am feeling so much better.My memory has improved and I am not as tired. I am taking 1000mg in am and 1000mg in the pm. once in a while I will only do 500 in pm. I also added Magnesium at 500 mg in the evening along with 1000 Calcium at the same time. I will continue to take the tyrosine as long as I take the topamax as I am quite please with the combo. Thank God I found the two linked together. As always....Be Informed.....Be Aware... as your Doctor may not aways be.....Do your homework...Research and read everything... Research and double check everything...there is a lot of stuff out there......
Good Energy to everyone.

[Jules77733]

The same thing happened to me when I was on Topamax for migraines, too. Even though it was a really low dose, I had considerable difficulty trying to remember words or find the right word to use. Ultimately, this was the reason my neurologist decided not to up my dosage--it wasn't really helping my headaches at the low dose, so he would've continued to increase it if it weren't for that side effect, he said.

If you're experiencing this side effect to the point where it's inhibiting you from doing your job or functioning well, then you might want to talk to your neurologist about trying a different medication. Usually, they will ask you how your headaches are while you're on a particularly dosage of a certain medication, and then before they decide to increase it or switch you to another medication, they will ask if you're experiencing any side-effects. You should tell your neurologist about this, but if he/she feels that Topamax is the best bet, you will both have to weigh the positives and negatives of being on that medication. Like you, it also made me extremely tired...so I began to wonder what the point of getting rid of headaches was if I was being put to sleep at the same time!

I was switched to Propranolol, a beta-blocker, and it seems to do a fairly good job of preventing my headaches, but the major side-effect I have to deal with while on this medication is being cold (it lowers blood pressure and decreases blood flow to the extremities, causing your body temperature to lower).

Maybe ask your doctor about taking Provigil to help speed up your cognitive processes and keep you awake when Topamax makes you want to crash.

I hope this helps!

[matd22]

Thanks for the advice. I certainly will try L-Tyrosine, I Have taken it in the past but not  with topamax, never saw the 2 linked together. If it helps I would be forever thankful because it does work on the migraines so well. I am 2 years on the Topamax---I will keep my fingers crossed---I am off to the vitamin store tonight and will report back soon

[NoMoreMigrainesPlz]

When he prescribed the Topamax to me, my Neurologist suggested taking L-Tyrosine (an OTC amino acid) in a dosage of 500-1000mgs per day to counteract the lethargy and memory problems associated with Topamax.  I took the Topamax for 3-4 days without the L-Tyrosine and was EXHAUSTED, so decided to try it.  I have felt great since!  I started with 500mgs and felt OK,  then tried the 1000mgs and felt GREAT!  So...I'd recommend it to anyone!